Pivoted moving satellite simulating space toy



B. WALLACH Nov. 17, 1964 PIVOTED MOVING SATELLITE SIMULATING SPACE TOY 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 15, 1963 BERNARD WALLACH Arrow/AV v Nov. 17,1964 B. WALLACH' 3,157,401

PIVOTED MOVING SATELLITE SIMULATING SPACE TOY Filed March 15, 1963 2Sheets-Sheet 2 BERNARD WALLACH A 7 7 UP/VEV United States Patent Office3,157,401 Patented Nov. 17,, 1964 3,157,401 PI'VGTED MGVING SATELLITESIMULATWG SPACE TGY Bernard Wallach, 365 Knickerbocker Road, Englewood,NJ. Filed Mar. 15, 1963, Ser. No. 265,523 3 Gaines. (2. 273-110) Thisinvention concerns a toy adapted to simulate movments of a planet orsatellite in orbit, or of a space ship.

According to one form of the invention, there is provided a devicehaving a three-dimensional indented surface flaring outwardly from itscenter. This indented surface is shaped so that in cross section it hasan inverse square curvature which represents the inverse law ofgravitational attraction. A ball is provided for rolling freely aroundthis surface. The ball represents a space vehicle, space missile,satellite or planet. At the center of the surface, which representsouter space, may be placed a stationary sphere representing a sun aroundwhich the ball moves in orbit. The ball will roll in space in an orbitaround the central sun. The space surface is supported on a universalmounting in such a way that the surface can be tilted, in all verticalplanes on horizontal axes, but it cannot be rotated. By tilting orrocking the space surface, the player can keep the ball revolving inorbit as long as desired. Some skill is required to do this. This skillis developed with practice. In operation'of the device the playersimparts a force to the rolling ball which tends to overcome rollingfriction and restores centrifugal kinetic energy. The force of gravityon the ball tends to pull the ball radially inwardly or centripetallytoward the central sun. The balance of forces results in a dynamicstabilization so that the ball revolves in orbit continuously. More thanone ball can be employed to represent a plurality of planets,satellites, etc, in orbit around the central sun. More than one indentedsurface path may be provided upon each of which one or more planets mayrevolve around the central sun. The indented surface may be madeadjustable to simulate different gravitational fields.

According to another form of the invention, there is provided a spaceship mounted on a conical frame frictionally supported on a sphereadapted to roll over a supporting surface.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide a toy orgame in which one or more balls roll freely on an indented surface of asupport which is tilable on a universal mounting.

A further object is to provide a device in which a rolling ballsimulates a satellite in orbit around a central sun, the space path ofthe satellite being provided by a curved supporting surface whosecurvature simulates the inverse square law of gravitational attraction.

Another object is to provide a device as described wherein thesupporting surface is tiltable universally only on horizontal axes.

Another object is to provide a device as described having a plurality ofcurved supporting surfaces upon which a plurality of balls can roll insimulated orbits.

Still another object is to provide adjustment means for varying thecurvature of the supporting surface for the orbiting ball. 7,

For further comprehension of the invention, and or" the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following descriptionand accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which thevarious novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a toy, game or device embodying theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on line 22 of FIG.1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views similar to FIG. 2 of two otherembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan View of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on line 6-6of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view on the same scale as FIG. 5 taken online 7--7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view partly diagrammatic and partly elevational showinganother modification of the invention.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a de vice 19 includinga dished rigid plate 12. The plate is a rigid member made of metal,plastic or the like. The plate has a circular central bottom 14 and anupwardly and outwardly flaring body 16. The body 16 in crosssectiontaken radially has an upper surface S Whose curvature is convex and maybe represented mathematically by the equation:

K incwhere A is the axial distance fiom the plane of plate bottom 14 toany point on the surface; R is the radial distance from the central axisof the surface to the same point on the surface; K is a constant; and Cis a constant. From the above relation, the slope of the surface wouldbe i d K dR R giving the desired inverse square relation.

The plate bottom rests on a block 18 and may be secured thereto by asphere 20 having a screw extension 22 engaged in the block. Anindentation 23 may be provided in the plate bottom. This indentationwill fit into a recess 25 formed in the block. The block is supported ona coil spring 26 axially aligned with the central axis of the plate. Theupper end of the spring is secured in a bore 27 in the block. The lowerend of the spring is secured in a bore 28 of a leveling plate 30. Plate30 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced leveling screws 32engaged adjustably in holes 34. One of more balls 36 roll freely on theupper surface S of the plate body 16.

lock 18 can serve as a finger grip. By adjusting the screws 32, the axisof the plate body can be made vertical with respect to the supportingsurface P.

If any ball or balls 36 are thrown on the surface S they can be keptrolling around the surface by rocking or tilting the plate on itsuniversal mounting spring 26. The spring keeps the plate from rotatingin a horizontal plane on its vertical axis but permits the plate to betilted in all possible vertical planes on horizontal axes. By exercisingreasonable care and skill the player can keep the balls rollingcontinuously around the sphere 2% which represents the sun. The hallstend to roll downwardiy and inwardly toward the sun due to gravitationalattraction of the earth. This tendency is overcome by the centrifugalforce imparted to them by the players manipulation of the plate.

FIG. 3 shows device idl which is similar to the device it andcorresponding parts are identically numbered. Plate 10 has two curvedsurfaces S and S" each having a convex curvature corresponding tothat-of surface S .of device It). The surface S and S" are arranged astwo concentric annular bands in the body 16* of plate 12*. By skillfulmanipulation of the plate 12*, both planetary balls 36' and 36" can bekept rolling continuously in their respective space paths represented bysurfaces S and S.

FIG. 4 shows another device it? which is similar to the device 10. Thisdevice has an elastic diaphragm or membrane 12 which has its outer edgesecured by cement or the like; to the annular rim 14 of a pan 4-2. Thediaphragm assumes'a' generally frusto-conical form between the open top,and closed circular bottom 44 of the pan since the diaphragm is held'intens'ion at its center to the center of the pan bottom by a'flat disk46. A spherical knob 48 bears on the disk and has a screw engaged in'bore 27' in block 52 which supports the pan. A 'coil spring 26a supportsthe block and main a horizontal position. The spring is engaged in'bore28 of leveling plate 39. Leveling screws 3:2 permit the plate 7 phragm12? is used to assume a curved configuration more closely. approximatingthe ideal forms such as those of rigid plates 12 and 12 7 This diaphragmhas its peripheral edge secured to the annular rim 4? of a pan 51 bymeans of an annular ring 53 and screws 55. This ring extends radiallyoutward of the pan St) to provide an extension which can be grasped by aplayer for tilting the pan. The diaphragm is engaged at its centerbetween a washer 57 and a nut 54 screwed on screw 56 extending down fromspherical knob 58. The screw 56 is adjustably threaded in a threadedbore 69 of a post 62. A lock nut on the screw 56 holds the screw in anydesired position of axial extension with respect to the post. i r a a Atthe bottom end of the post 62 is a ball 64 rotatably disposedin ahemispherical recess or socket 66 of a block 63. The. blockis. carriedon leveling plate 59' supported by circumferentially spaced levelingscrews 32'.

Circumferentially spaced coil'springs 70 are secured between eyes 72 atthe underside of the pan and eyes 74 on the upper side of plate 39". Thecoil springs substantiallyprevent axial rotation of the pan in ahorizontal plane and prevent lifting of'the ball 64 out'of socket 66.

The ball 64 in the socket serves as a universal joint permitting thediaphragm 12 to be tilted in any desired direction to keep ball 36rolling continuously around 7 the sphere 58.- The sphere simulates acentral sun while The radial curvature ofthe' ball simulates asatellitel the diaphragm can be changed by turning the screw 56 in orout of bore tl in post 62; With each change in diaphragm configuration adifferent orbital path will be followed by the hall 3& in its rotationaround the sphere.

In all forms of the invention heretofore described, the

V the appended claims.

remains vertical'so that the ship is always in a truly horizontalposition. The ball 84 with supported frame and ship readily moves overthe supporting surface 92 because'or" the smooth inner surfaces of thesides 86 of the frame.

There has thus been provided, tion, an entertaining and instructive toy,game or device in which a player by skillful manipulation of the devicekeeps a simulated satellite in space flight around a central sun whichseems to be exerting the satellite. 7

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of myinvention, it is to be understood that l do not limit myself to theprecise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes andmodifications may be made within the scope of the invention as definedin Having thus described new, and desire to secure by United StatesLetters Patent l. A space flight toy, comprising a circular memberhaving an intended surface for supporting a rolling ball simulatingasatellite in orbit, a spherical knob centrally disposed on said surfaceand simulating a c'entral sun, a

universal joint support for said surface permitting said member to betilted in various vertical planes on horizontal axes, and a levelingplate carrying said joint sup.

port for positioning said member to an axially vertical position, saidmember being formed of rigid material, said surface having two annularconcentric bands outwardly of said spherical knob, said surface at eachof said bands having a convex curvature radially of said member, therebeing anabrupt change in curvature of one concentric band relative tothe other'concentric band at the abutting edges of said concentricbands.

2. A space flight toy, comprising a circular member having an indentedsurface for supporting a rolling ball simulating a satellite in orbit, asupport for said member centrally located thereunder, a spherical knobcentrally disposed on said surface and simulating a central sun,fastening means extending'from said knob into said support and securingsaid knob to said support, universal" joint means carrying said supportand holding said member in an axially vertical position,'said universaljoint means permitting said member to be tiltedein vertical planes forkeeping the ball rolling on said surface around said spherical knob,andadjustable leveling means supporting said universal joint means foradjusting said member to an axially vertical positiornsaid member beingformed of rigid material, said surface having'two annular concentricbands outwardly of said spherical 1,;

knob, said surface at each of said bands having a convex satellite orplanetary balls revolving in their orbits will tend to roll toward thecentral sun represented by the central sphere. The force tending to movethe'balls in this way is actually the gravitational attraction of theearth, but in the device, it appears to be the pull of the central sunon its satellites.

ln the' modification ofithe invention shown in FIG. 8, a space ship isshown indash lines mountedfon a conical shaped frame32 supportedfrictionally on a ball 34. The frame 82 is formed withfa conical shapedbody havingtstraighttaperinggsides'fid, ta blunted top 88 andhorizontally disposed flanges ht) forming the base. The

sides 'frictionally rest on the surface of the ball and the frame-is'sodimensioned that its centeriof gravityis' below the center of 'the'ball,and a portion of the. ball extends outwardly of the base. The innersurfaces of supporting surface 92 manually by the player, the shape ofthe framejbeing'such that the frame automatically the sides are smooththereby reducing friction between the ball and frame. The ship 89 can berolled over a curvature radially of said member, there being an abruptchange in curvature. of one concentric band'relativeito the otherconcentric band at the abutting'edges of said concentric bands.

3;, A space flight toy, comprising a circular member; i

having an indented surface for supporting a rolling ballsimulating'a'satellite in orbit, a support for said member centrallylocated thereunder, a spherical knob centrally disposed on 331d surfaceand simulating a central sun} fastening means extending from said knobinto said suppert and securing said member to said support, universaloint means carrying saidsupport and holding said member in an axiallyvertical position, said; universaljoint means permitting said member tobe tilted in vertical planes'for keeping the ball rolling on saidsurface around said spherical knob, adjustable leveling means supportingsaid universal joint means for adjusting said member to an axiallyvertical position, said member being an 'elastic' diaphragm, saidsupport comprising a'pan having an -an' nular rim and circular bottom,said "diaphragm havingh its periphery secured to said rimof the pan,saidfastenu ing means comprising a screw: passing into said support,

a and a dish under said knob bearingcentrally on said according to theinven- I a gravitational pull upon invention, what I claim as 5 6diaphragm and holding the same in tension radially of 2,524,546Sinclaire Oct. 3, 1950 said member. 2,727,744 Watson Dec. 20, 19552,949,682 Humbert Aug. 23, 1960 References Ciied in tho file of thispatent 3,661,312 (31 t 1, O t, 30, 1962 UN STATES PATENTS 5 3,108,309Peterson Got. 29, 1963 D. 32,890 Sirow et a1. June 26, 1900 FOREYGNPATENTS 608,913 SCOVeu A g- 1898 759,991 France Dec. 6, 1933 1,533,676Tromans et a1 Apr. 14, 1925 782,104 France Mar. 11, 1935

1. A SPACE FLIGHT TOY, COMPRISING A CIRCULAR MEMBER HAVING AN INTENDEDSURFACE FOR SUPPORTING A ROLLING BALL SIMULATING A SATELLITE IN ORBIT, ASPHERICAL KNOB CENTRALLY DISPOSED ON SAID SURFACE AND SIMULATING ACENTRAL SUN, A UNIVERSAL JOINT SUPPORT FOR SAID SURFACE PERMITTING SAIDMEMBER TO BE TILTED IN VARIOUS VERTICAL PLANES ON HORIZONTAL AXES, AND ALEVELING PLATE CARRYING SAID JOINT SUPPORT FOR POSITIONING SAID MEMBERTO AN AXIALLY VERTICAL POSITION, SAID MEMBER BEING FORMED OF RIGIDMATERIAL, SAID SURFACE HAVING TWO ANNULAR CONCENTRIC BANDS OUTWARDLY OFSAID SPHERICAL KNOB, SAID SURFACE AT EACH OF SAID BANDS HAVING A CONVEXCURVATURE RADIALLY OF SAID MEMBER, THERE BEING AN ABRUPT CHANGE INCURVATURE OF ONE CONCENTRIC BAND RELATIVE TO THE OTHER CONCENTRIC BANDAT THE ABUTTING EDGES OF SAID CONCENTRIC BANDS.